“I am a survivor, not a victim,”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and it is a time to shed light on stories of courage, resilience, and hope. Clare Cunningham, a survivor of childhood and adulthood sexual abuse, stands as a beacon of strength, determination, and forgiveness. In this deeply moving feature article, Clare shares her story for the very first time, providing a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to heal and transform.
“I am a survivor, not a victim,” Clare declares as she recounts her harrowing past. Her unwavering strength lies in her resolve never to be defined by the trauma she endured. Clare’s journey through darkness began with the unspoken horrors of her childhood, but her path to healing was marked by forgiveness, acceptance, and an unshakable belief in the power of resilience.
Clare’s healing process, she believes, was guided by divine timing. She reflects on the day she found the courage to confide in her mother, the emotional car ride that followed, and her mother’s wisdom in urging her to keep talking. Clare’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the support and love of a trusted confidant can make a world of difference.
However, seeking justice proved challenging, as the legal system failed to provide the resolution she longed for. The ordeal highlighted the pervasive issue of underreporting and the hurdles survivors face in obtaining justice. Clare underscores the importance of being believed, acknowledging that not every survivor has the privilege of being heard.
Clare’s trauma left her with profound self-doubt, guilt, and a sense of unworthiness, causing her to fear rejection from future partners. Yet, her resilience prevailed. Clare found love, acceptance, and a safe space to share her past. Her message to others is one of hope: it is possible to forgive and heal, even when the wounds run deep.
Clare’s gratitude extends to her parents for their unwavering support, counseling, and the resources that played a crucial role in her recovery. She emphasizes that no parent can anticipate the horrors their child may face, and their love is unwavering even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Throughout her journey, Clare has grappled with anger, turning it both inward and outward. She acknowledges the emotional turmoil she unleashed on her loved ones during those difficult times and expresses deep remorse for her actions. Her story serves as a stark reminder of how survivors can inadvertently hurt those closest to them while dealing with their own pain.
Clare’s remarkable transformation saw her turn to fitness, finding solace in the physical exertion of exercise. She also opens up about her history of self-harm, describing the profound connection between her past trauma and her present pursuit of physical pain as a source of catharsis. It’s a testament to the complexity of healing and the unique journeys survivors undertake.
One of the most powerful moments in Clare’s story is when she describes an encounter with another survivor—a mother in tears, seeking solace for her own daughters who had also fallen victim to Clare’s abusers. Clare’s protective instinct, even at a young age, kicked in, setting the stage for her mission today: to protect and help others who have suffered as she did.
Clare’s experience underscores the challenges of small communities dealing with sensitive issues like sexual abuse. In such close-knit environments, the truth is often buried, and survivors find themselves trapped in silence. This silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse, causing Clare to learn how to fend for herself and trust people less.
In her closing remarks, Clare shines a light on the prevalence of sexual abuse, emphasizing that she was inspired by the courage of others who shared their stories. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that it is never too late to seek help, healing, and support. Clare’s message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of transformation.
Clare Cunningham is a survivor, a healer, and a beacon of hope for others who have endured similar traumas. Her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of survivors, and her voice is a call to action during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Clare is proof that through forgiveness, acceptance, and the strength to share one’s story, healing is possible, and no one has to suffer alone.
Clare Cunningham’s ‘GRAND OLE OPRY’ debut on March 18th, 2023, was a remarkable achievement for an independent artist, and the show was a sold-out sensation. The night held a delightful surprise as her childhood idol, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood joined the bill, making the evening even more extraordinary. Clare also had the opportunity to perform a duet of Steve Earle’s ‘Galway Girl’ with the legend himself. The star-studded event featured other renowned artists such as Lauren Alaina, Morgan Evans, Jeannie Seely, John Conlee, Jameson Rodgers, and Jig-Jam, creating an unforgettable night of country music magic.
This impressive debut at the Grand Ole Opry wasn’t Clare’s first taste of recognition. She’s been steadily amassing accolades, including being crowned ‘ARTIST OF THE YEAR’ at ‘The Josie Music Awards’ in 2022 and ‘VOCALIST OF THE YEAR’ in 2021. Clare’s musical journey began before she moved to the United States in 2018, as she was the lead singer of the Swedish all-female quintet, Thundermother, from 2013 to 2018, gaining recognition and signing with Warner Music Sweden. Since her relocation, Clare has made a significant impact on the American music scene and is currently nominated for 12 awards at the Grand Ole Opry, further solidifying her place in the industry.
Clare’s story is not only about her musical achievements but also her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness about mental health. Her EP ‘MERCY,’ released in September 2022, tackles this issue head-on, exemplifying her dedication to de-stigmatizing conversations surrounding topics like addiction, suicide, anxiety, and depression. Clare’s faith journey has also played a significant role in her life, culminating in her latest Christian/inspirational album, ‘HELPING HAND,’ released on July 7th, 2023. Clare is on a mission to demonstrate that her past doesn’t define her, and her appearance doesn’t reflect what’s within. Her multifaceted career, from a young musician in Ireland to her success in the USA, showcases her resilience and artistic evolution. Clare Cunningham’s story continues to inspire and uplift those who have faced challenges in their own lives.
This is just a glimpse of Clare’s amazing story of triumph. To read here complete story in her own word in her Memoir click here to read https://www.clarecunninghammusic.com/memoir
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